An Illinois woman has drawn attention online after she said she left a church due to a request for a W-2 form from new members.
She said that when she attended the church, things initially appeared to be going well. At one point, attendees were asked to raise their hands if it was their first time visiting. Those who identified themselves as first-time visitors were reportedly given a coffee mug and candy.
The woman then claimed that new members were told to meet in the back if they wanted to join the church. She said that when she went, she was asked to provide her W-2 to verify tithing. She added that, growing up, she understood the expectation of paying 10%, but said she had not consistently done so. The woman also said the churches she previously attended were not “intense” about the practice and did not “track people down.”
She also said some viewers told her their pastors would approach them to remind them that they had not been tithing. “I just feel like that is really intense,” she said. She added that she had attended several megachurches where pastors were allegedly seen driving expensive sports cars. “I think we’re good. I don’t think you need my W-2,” she added.
The video is gaining attention due to the woman’s claim that a church requested a W-2 form from new members as part of its process, which has sparked discussion online about financial expectations within some religious institutions. The situation has led to broader conversations about tithing practices and how financial requirements may affect individuals’ willingness or ability to participate in church communities.
Viewers Sound Off After Woman Claims Church Asked for W-2
The video sparked reactions online. Many viewers expressed surprise at the woman’s claims about a church in Illinois allegedly requesting a W-2 form, with some saying it made them question financial expectations in certain religious settings. “I can’t afford to go to church,” one person wrote. Others responded that not all churches operate in the same way. “There are times when I don’t have a dollar to put in the basket and I have never been made to feel less than or asked to leave,” another user said.
More users shared their experiences regarding tithing and church practices. “My check bounced. No, is everything ok? Can we help somehow? Nope. Only, when will the check clear?” one person wrote. Another responded, “it’s disgusting and greedy how the church hijacked tithing for themselves.” A third user added, “There is one in my area that before you join, you have to present tax forms so they know you are tithing correctly.”
The video prompted discussion online, with viewers sharing a range of experiences and perspectives about financial practices in churches in Illinois and elsewhere.
